System and method for multiprocessor partitioning to support high availability

A system and method for partitioning to support high availability of a multiprocessor system. The system comprises a plurality of masters, including processors, input/output devices, or the like, and is divided into regions. Per-region access rights are assigned to the system resources. The regions are grouped into partitions, wherein a partition is a portion of the system that is treated as a single unit with respect to failure. Failure of a master in a given region only affects resources accessible to that given region. Per-region access can be to main memory on a per-page basis, for example. Alternatively, the per-region access can limit access to directory storage, input/output ports and devices, control or diagnostics registers.